Friday, December 11, 2009

Inspired...I think so

I was telling Ollie last night about this celebration at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium (which happens to be right next to where we live.) As soon as he heard that the event was focused on International Human Rights, and more specifically on Women's Rights he was anxious to get up and go.(Ollie departing already)As I was getting ready I said, "Babe, you know that kitties in a crowd of grown ups get lost so you need to stand guard in the courtyard."Hating to leave him out and alone, I tried not to think about the pussy cats and walked up to the Pasadena Civic Auditorium,right across from the open air El Paseo Colorado and took an iphone photo of thisI am glad that I attended the meeting. Living in a large city one often finds oneself overwhelmed by all the troubles around and helpless to be able to make a difference. I firmly believe that the only solution, both to the situation and to maintaining one's mental composure, is to become involved in easing and solving the problems at whatever level possible. We are a part of our environment and undoubtedly are affected by it.

Anyhow last night, the wonderful Mayor of Pasadena, Bill Bogart, quoted Eleanor Roosevelt as to why a small city like Pasadena should care about international human rights, and tonight about worldwide women's rights.

Where after all do universal human rights begin? In small places, closes to home - so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any map of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person: The neighborhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.

Remarks at the United Nations, March 27, 1958

Next, an educational short film prepared by the Nike Foundation was shown. It is called "I Dare You", The most powerful force of change on the planet is a girl. Although I firmly believe that the education of girls is of greater consequence compared with that of boys, I was not aware of the supporting statistical evidence.

Another educational theme for me was self-defense and girls. The keynote speaker, Ellen Snortland (Norwegian last name), author of "Beauty Bites Beast", spoke about her approach to stopping violence, be it at home or on the playground. She discussed how empowerment of girls, specifically, by teaching them how to protect themselves, has far reaching consequences in their future, and suggested that this type of education should be viewed as normal as getting educated on wearing a seatbelt, for example. When she first started talking I was not sure how much I agreed with her but after listening to her I thought, yes, she makes very good points, and not just for families with domestic problems, for everyone. So I bought a couple of copies of her book, one for MOI and one to give to a certain friend who teaches at Mesa College in AZ.

There was a lot more, music, song, poetry, viewing of art work, socializing, getting to know who does what and why, too much to write here in this blog.

As luck would have it, upon my return home, the doodle boys immediately followed me into the house and I said Hallelujah in my heart.

Upstairs in the bedroom, Ollie wrestled his little mouse, and I felt pretty normal for a city-dweller : ), maybe even inspired again!

Wishing all inspiration and empowerment, and cat kisses from the mouse-wrestlers....